Football team takes the field with 10 players in powerful tribute to slain teammate

Christopher Wilson Jr., a senior defensive end at Yorktown High School in Indiana, was tragically killed in a shooting just four days before his team faced Pendleton Heights on October 9, 2026. The Yorktown Tigers honored their slain teammate by carrying his No. 79 jersey to the coin toss, playing the first offensive and defensive drives with only 10 players, and donning BIGG1 helmet stickers.

The Pendleton Heights team also paid tribute by observing a moment of silence for Wilson. Wilson, who had committed to play football at West Virginia University in June, had played briefly for the Tigers this season, recording 12 tackles, two for loss, a sack, and four quarterback hurries. The West Virginia football program expressed its condolences to Wilson's family during this difficult time.